1

If you are not involved in the drug trade you should have no problems. Merida is wonderful but very HOT in the summer so winter is perfect for a Merida stay. Photos see my website wolfcalls.com

2

My sister, I and my daughter have driven all over the Yucatan and this last December drove from Tulum to Merida. Felt safe, the army check points can be intimidating if you don't speak Spanish but we managed to make it through with our very limited Spanish.

Merida is a very interesting city, full of culture, art, and family. Lots of restaurants and prices much cheaper than say Isla. The toll road to Merida is the most boring road I have ever driven, if you are driving try to take the scenic road if you have the time. Found driving in and out of Merida from the highway pretty easy.

Don't forget to stop in Izamal, so beautiful and worth the time, by far the cleanest place I have ever been to.

Sometimes it's the unknown that is intimidating. We go to Guatemala soon and keep reading about violence and weather related stuff. Every couple of days we will say, "Oh well, we will just take a bus North and go to Mexico where it's safe!" Seriously! Merida is our back up plan! Always puts me back into perspective.

3

I've been in the Yucatan for almost 5 weeks now. I felt very safe. Bodies turn up in Miami, New York, and Chicago every day. If you will travel to those places, you're fine in the Yucatan.

I even hitchhiked for part of my trip. Everyone is very friendly. You do see military checkpoints and patrols every now and then.

Tip for Merida: If an english speaking local guy approaches you in the main plaza to chat for 15 minutes, then starts telling you about the Mayan hammock/hat store down the block that is closing for the next 10 days, in about an hour, because of a local festival, he is full of shit. I had 5 people do this to me. The touts are very smooth, and take their time getting to know you and telling you about other sites to see before "recommending" the shop that is about to "close for 10 days". They may even offer to walk you over to it!

:-)

4

Thank you all, very much. Your comments have really been helpful.

5

i have just been in Merida a couple weeks ago. I actually met Matt right after that (Valladolid is also a great place)
I think it is totally safe, my bus arrived late night, so i had to walk to my hostel around 4 AM and, had no bad feelings at all.

What, Matt is saying about the guides, that is true thought. But i didn't feel the too pushy at all. And what is also cool, that i met people who were helping without asking when i was looking at my map. They suggested me nice places (not shops) and were very kind. I actually was waiting when they start to tell me about the "best shops" but it seems like they really just wanted to help, and have a little chitchat with a tourist.

People are cool there, do not even think about skipping it!